Statement by the Permanent Representative of Brazil to the United Nations, Ambassador Ambassador Ronaldo Costa Filho, at the UNSC meeting on Haiti - December 21st, 2022

Madam President,

I would like to thank Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed, SRSG Helen La Lime and Ambassador Michel Xavier Biang, from Gabon, for their comprehensive briefings. I would also like to congratulate Ambassador Xavier Biang for assuming the presidency of the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 2653 (2022). I wish him the best of luck in this important position. I also thank for the presence of Mr. Jean Victor Geneus, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Worship of Haiti.

Since our last meeting in October, there has been some progress on the ground, especially with the liberation of the Varreux fuel terminal, responsible for 70% of Haiti’s fuel supply. This shows the capacity and commitment of the Haitian National Police.

The overall situation, however, remains challenging and worrisome, as gangs continue to be a disruptive force within society, making it almost impossible for the resumption of institutional normalcy and the proper functioning of public services. Additionally, the current outbreak of cholera poses significant risks to the Haitian population, if not adequately controlled.

As Haiti remains deeply plunged in a multidimensional crisis, the lack of progress on the political front in the last months is staggering. The current political deadlock and the humanitarian and security crises in Haiti reinforce each other. A political agreement between the main political groups in Haiti is key for the country to begin a process of healing and to re-establish institutional and democratic governance. No significant progress will be possible in Haiti, if the main political constituencies remain entrenched and averse to compromise.

Madam President,

We hope that the sanctions regime adopted, unanimously, last October, will effectively establish targeted sanctions against those engaging in or supporting violence, whether powerful or not. As some members are already imposing unilateral sanctions against some Haitian individuals, we consider it is high time the Security Council Sanctions Committee on Haiti started its own deliberations.

We took note of the options conveyed by the Secretary-General in his 9 October letter to increase the security in Haiti and the appeal by the Haitian government to receive specialized armed support to help control the humanitarian crisis in the country.

We look forward to engaging with Council members on a resolution on the matter, whenever the details of such a response are ripe for multilateral consideration.

Madam President,

Haiti needs change that goes well beyond the control of criminal activities. Besides security measures, socio-economic progress in Haiti is essential for addressing this crisis in an effective and sustainable way. Haiti remains a top priority for Brazilian international cooperation projects and we urge the donor community to step up its efforts towards effectively fostering economic and social development.

Madam President,

In closing, Brazil would like to exhort, once again, all Haitian political actors to deepen the current dialogue and urgently agree on a political way forward. Brazil believes in Haitian led solutions, which will only materialize if Haitian stakeholders accept to talk and compromise, paving the way for fair elections and the resumption of the normal functioning of Haitian institutions.

From our part, I would like to underline that Haiti has been a priority for Brazil and will remain so. Brazil has a long-standing contribution to peace and stability in Haiti and continues fully committed to supporting the country, particularly in these challenging times.

I thank you.